A new speedboat was on Thursday put into service on the route connecting Phan Thiet, the capital of the south-central province of Binh Thuan, and Phu Quy Island, helping to bring more tourists to the popular attraction.

The new speedboat, Superdong Phu Quy 1, is capable of carrying up to 306 passengers and traveling at up to 28 nautical miles (51km) per hour.

The US$2 million Malaysia-built express boat is equipeed with air-conditioners, comfortable seats, LCD TVs, a restroom and a VIP cabin, with music and movie systems, according to its operator, Superdong – Kien Giang Speedboat Corporation.

It takes the speedboat about 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Phan Thiet and Phu Quy, compared to six hours of normal boats.

The ship also features full life-saving equipment to ensure the highest safety for passenger.

Passengers board the inaugural trip of the new Phan Thiet-Phu Quy speedboat in Binh Thuan, south-central Vietnam, on June 21, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Normal ticket costs VND310,000 (US$13.66) per passenger, whereas the respective prices for children and the eldery are VND220,000 ($9.69) and VND260,000 ($11.45). Passenger with disability only has to pay VND200,000 ($8.81) for a ticket.

Prior to Thursday, there was only one high-speed passenger boat, and one normal vessel, running between the destinations. Passengers used to have to wait in long lines at the Phan Thiet port to be able to buy tickets to the island during peak travel time.

The new express boat on the Phan Thiet – Phu Quy route not only helps to shorten the travel time between the mainland and the island, but also contributes to the the rapid and sustainable socio – economic development and tourism of Phu Quy.